THE SUNDAY MESSENGER
April 11, 2021

Octave of Easter (New Sunday)

NOTICE FOR THIS SUNDAY 

Der Hakob will be out of town on Sunday, April 11, but the church will be open from 10 am until 11:30 am.for prayer and lighting of candles.  During that time, a service will be led by our Senior Deacon, Dr. Albert Keshgegian.   

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

From Today’s Readings

John 1:1-17 These renowned and eloquent verses testify to the presence of God the Son from the very creation of the world (vv 2-5) to his Incarnation; Jesus Christ was the ultimate revelation of God’s presence, glory, and enduring love. John the Baptist was called to be a witness so that “all people might believe.” Discuss/reflect: Jesus made his dwelling “among us.” (v 14). How much have you allowed him to “dwell” with you? Are you keeping him at the door? In the living room? Or have you given him the keys?

Acts 5:34-6:7 Two important events are recounted here. In the first, the teacher of the law Gamaliel exhorts the apostles’ antagonists to let them continue Jesus’ work, since if their purpose is godly they will prevail over any force against them anyway. The second details the first “ordination” as men are called and consecrated to assist the apostles in caring for the poor. St. Stephen was foremost among them and is considered the first ‘deacon’ of the Church. Discuss/reflect: Despite the warning that they not preach the Good News, the apostles joyfully continued to proclaim Jesus as the Christ (5:41-42). How might you share this news today?

James 3:1-12 The apostle James explains the great harm that speech (the tongue) can cause. He compares the tongue’s power to the bit in a horse’s mouth or the rudder of a huge ship – something so small having the power to give incredible direction; but also potentially as disastrous as the tiny spark that can burn down a forest. Discuss/reflect: James wonders how we are able to both praise God and revile others with the same lips. How can salt water and fresh water flow from the same source? (vv 9-12) How would you answer him? Where do you need to make changes in how you talk?

Today is New Sunday

New Sunday (Nor Giragi) is the first Sunday after Easter. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ and is therefore often called Second Easter (Grgnazadig). The Sabbath was originally on Saturday, the end of the seven-day week and the day on which God rested after creation. But in the early church, Christians began to celebrate the day of the Resurrection as the Sabbath so that the new day for resting in God became Sunday. In theological terms, it became the 8th day and the 1st day of the week, signifying both fulfillment and beginning. The day’s Gospel reading summarizes the mission of Jesus Christ, God the Son, who existed from the beginning as God and participated in the creation. He became human to bring us into the light, to guide us out of our spiritual darkness. New Sunday also bears a message for the growth of the Church. Reflection: Following last week’s joyous celebration of the Lord’s resurrection, in what ways can Sunday be renewed for you? How can it be a true “fulfillment and beginning”?

Department of Christian Education/Diocese of the Armenian Church (Eastern)/elisea@armeniandiocese.org

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night….” (Nehemiah 1:5–6).   Prayers are requested for Ethel Terzian, Taron Poghosyan, Alice Charles, Theodora Mirakian, Leslie Movsesian & Larry Grocott.

Please note that all parishioners are required to wear a mask at all times anywhere in the Church building or on the Church grounds. If you need a mask, we will be glad to provide you with one. No exceptions.

COUNTRY STORE IS OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS:  We are well stocked in our store and invite you to come in after church most Sundays or place an order for pickup with Lorraine Damerjian @ 215-572-8465. 

DIVINE LITURGY IN YOUR HOME

Since we do not stream services at our church every week, we invite you to click on one of the following links to partake of Badarak at any of the following:

https://www.facebook.com/SSSMAAC/live/ (St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church)
http://www.stleon.org (St Leon Live Stream)
https://www.facebook.com/stvartancathedral (St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral)
http://www.holy-martyrs.org (Holy Martyrs Live Stream)

ASA OPEN HOUSE: Interested in finding out more about ASA for your child?

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you, answer any questions and guide your family through the admissions process. Though our campus is open, due to safety concerns in light of COVID-19 we are unable to welcome visitors to campus during school hours. We have transitioned our spring open house and tours into virtual zoom/phone meetings as well as after-hours tours. Email Legna Santerian at lsanterian@asaphila.org to schedule a tour – just for your family!

We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to the Armenian Sisters Academy!
Check out our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wevb1U3tAnI 

Legna